James T. “Jim” Putnam, Jr. of Paxton slipped away peacefully in his home on August 26, 2024, with his devoted family at his side. He was just three months shy of his 90th birthday. Jim is survived by his wife of over six decades, Karen (Manty) Putnam, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and adventure. They marked their 66th anniversary just three days before he passed.

Jim leaves his three children, daughter Lisa Putnam of Paxton; son Mike Putnam and wife Kathy (Oatley), and their children Jason, Kathryn and Michael, all of Paxton; and youngest son Thomas Putnam of San Diego, CA. Jim and Karen’s eldest son, Jamie, died in 1980 after being hit by a car while riding his motorcycle, a devastating blow to the family.

Born in Worcester, Jim was the first of four sons born to James and Ethel (Carlson) Putnam, lifelong Paxton residents and owners of the renowned Paxton Spa. He is survived by his three younger brothers, Charles Putnam of Newark, DE, David Putnam Sr. and wife Barbara of Rutland, MA, and George Putnam and wife Dorothea of Deerfield, NH, and several nieces and nephews.

Jim attended Commerce High School in Worcester, graduating in 1953. He served in the Army in Dothan, Alabama, and Fort Riley, Kansas. Returning to Massachusetts in 1959, he worked for local Paxton contractor HH Prentice, then went on to become a heavy equipment operator and proud member of IUOE, running an excavator for Marois Brothers of Milbury for close to 30 years. In keeping with his profession, he had a keen interest in cars, trucks and machinery all his life.

During the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s, Jim and Karen raised their four children near Paxton center. Like their dad, the kids were involved in town sports, clubs and civic activities. When the kids were old enough, Jim and Karen started to take them camping in the summer. They visited hundreds of scenic and historic destinations up and down the eastern seaboard, piled into their Chevy Impala with a fully-laden tent trailer in tow.

As the kids grew up and moved out, Jim and Karen continued to travel. They upgraded to an RV trailer and began taking longer trips. They went on a Caribbean cruise. In 1992 they spent two weeks touring New Zealand with daughter Lisa and her then husband who were living near Christchurch. They continued traveling into their 80’s in the luxury of a 5th wheel trailer, completing three extensive cross-continent trips to all four corners of the USA and much of Canada.

The highlight of Jim’s later years was undoubtedly his grandchildren, Jason, Kathryn and Michael. He loved to have them visit and go to their birthday parties and cookouts. They were athletes for all their school years, and whenever possible Grampie would attend their games, proudly cheering them on from the bleachers of chilly hockey rinks and sun-baked softball fields. He was also a fan of the Red Sox and Patriots, listening to games on the radio and watching them on TV.

A quiet and helpful man, Jim would never hesitate to help anyone who asked. His dedication to community service grew out of his small-town roots. In his younger years Jim volunteered as a Paxton fire fighter, then in retirement joined the Paxton Fire Association, delivered Meals on Wheels, served on the board of the Paxton Council on Aging, and participated in the Paxton Senior Bowling League. Over the years, childhood playmates became lifelong friends, some of whom formed the “Paxton Breakfast Club” that met almost every morning for coffee and chat. Even in his last days, Jim’s friends were by his side to support him and say farewell.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, September 3rd from 4:00-6:00pm at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. In keeping with Jim’s last wishes, a simple graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday September 12th, at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Ave., Paxton.